GPS satellite launched into space

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite has been launched into space.

An unmanned Atlas 5 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shortly before midnight Friday.

The rocket carried a GPS 2F-7 spacecraft which will join a constellation of other satellites already orbiting 11,000 miles above Earth. The GPS satellite will provide navigation for both military and civilian users.

The craft, when it becomes operational, will replace a 17-year-old satellite. The older satellite will be used as a back-up for the new one.

This was the second launch from Cape Canaveral this week. A Delta 4 rocket lifted off on Monday, carrying a pair of military satellites.